Worker participation at the workplace with special reference to Dunlop Tyre Manufacturing Company in Durban.

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Abstract

The South African Labour Market still lacks significant numbers of workers in
spheres of decision-making. As a result the employers have been severely
criticised by the trade union movement for not adopting worker participation
strategies. This study was initiated in response to the recognition of the
importance of worker participation as a dynamic and complex concept that allows
both employers and employees to effectively participation in decision-making.
The argument raised in this study is that worker participation promotes the spirit
of solidarity, co-operation, satisfaction, tolerance, and discipline. It is argued in
this study that the involvement of workers in decision-making creates a platform
for dialogue. When both workers and employers start to dialogue a proper
platform for worker participation is created.
The objective of this study was to evaluate perceptions of whether worker
participation can indeed lead to an increase in productivity and economic growth
in the broader context. The study was also aimed at unpacking the argument
raised by scholars that where there is worker participation, workers will feel the
sense of owning the company and as a result they will be more satisfied with
their jobs.
After interrogating these issues a conclusion is reached that worker participation
is essential if the company is to facilitate job satisfaction. This is supported by the
findings of the literature review and the fieldwork conducted. As per responses
given by the workers and managers, the findings of the study reveal that when
employers do not introduce worker participation, it leads to the feelings of
disempowerment and marginalisation of the workers.
Both employees and employers are of an ideal that for the company to be run
effectively and efficiently, the employees need to be given a proper platform to
express their views. This then supports the arguments raised in the literature
review that workers participation creates a situation whereby the workers voice is
heard in the workplace.
Furthermore, the results of this study conducted among workers and managers
in Dunlop also reveal that in a work environment where there is no worker
participation the production process is adversely affected. However, an important
point to note is that both parties must be willing to accept each other as partners
in decision-making.